Pharmacogenomics as a tool in addressing genetic variation-dependent adverse drug reactions

Abstract

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a cause of discontinuing drug development and withdrawal from market, as well as a very common source of morbidity and mortality. Genetic variables may be the primary predictor of drug response for certain medications, but they are estimated to account for 15– 30% of the variability in drug response. Many factors can contribute to adverse drug reactions, including genetics and drug targeting/delivery. Genetic markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug targets, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes, have been associated with an increased risk of ADRs. Pharmacogenomics is the study of the genetic variation in the way that different people react to different pharmaceuticals, including variations in the risk of adverse drug reactions, dose requirements, and efficacy. The implementation of genetic data for predicting responses to medications and ADRs is becoming a reality in clinical practice, offering the potential to reduce the incidence of ADRs and improve patient outcomes. As pharmacogenomic research continues to advance, it holds great promise for enhancing drug safety and efficacy, ultimately leading to more tailored and effective therapeutic interventions.